1. The Graduate School evaluates applications for admission to the graduate college.
2. The PA Program evaluates applications for admission to the PA Program. Candidates who have met the minimum requirements for acceptance compete for positions in the class. Because acceptance can be highly competitive, the program has established selection factors (see below) upon which selections will be made.
3. Applications through CASPA become available in April. They may be submitted through CASPA from April until June 15. Applications are reviewed by the program as they are received from CASPA. The review of the written application materials is used to determine which candidates will be invited for interviews.
4. A select number of candidates will be invited for on-campus interviews. These are typically held June - January. Only applicants who have completed both applications will be eligible for an invited interview.
5. Positions are offered on a rolling admission basis as interviews are conducted. Candidates will be ranked following their interview and top candidates are offered positions in the upcoming class. Well qualified applicants may also be placed on a “waitlist”. The size of the class admitted is limited to 36 students.

Selection Factors:

1. Academic Preparation
   Academic preparation is evaluated in terms of overall grade point average (GPA), science GPA, recent course work, performance in the prerequisite courses, and GRE scores. Prior academic work is also evaluated for the candidate's ability to successfully carry a full-time, science-based academic workload. Patterns of repeating and withdrawing from courses as well as consistency in achievement are considered.
2. Communication Skills
   A high degree of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages, though not required, is favorably considered.
3. Professionalism, Ethics, & Empathy
   Candidates must demonstrate professional characteristics such as motivation to be a PA, ethical behavior, empathy, self-awareness, and self-confidence. Qualities essential to becoming an effective PA.
4. Critical Thinking & Adaptability
   Candidates must demonstrate characteristics such as problem-solving, critical thinking, judgement, and adaptability to the rigor of the PA curriculum and the austerity of a career in medicine.
5. Health Care Experience
   Direct-patient-contact healthcare experience is evaluated in terms of both quantity and quality.  In other words, the total amount of experience, the level of responsibility held by the candidate, and how it may relate to work as a future PA are all considered.
6. Fit with the Program Mission & Goals – Leadership in Serving Society
   In keeping with the program mission and goals, candidates are evaluated on their propensity for altruism, including volunteering (medical and non-medical settings). Factors considered include prior experience in urban, rural, and other underserved areas, and/or with vulnerable populations. Prior leadership roles are also a positive.
7. Waitlist Review
   The Admissions Committee admits the best applicants regardless of residency.  Once all applicant interviews are complete, the Admissions Committee will review the applicants who had been previously placed on the “waitlist”.  Then and only then, and with all of the above six selection factors being equal, the Admissions Committee may choose to admit the final few waitlist applicants so as to maintain an approximate ratio of 2/3 Virginia residents and 1/3 out-of-state residents.